OVERVIEW: The J-15 Flying Shark is a twin-engine, single-seat, 4th generation carrier-based multirole fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force (PLANAF). Entering service in 2013, it is a reverse-engineered derivative of the Russian Su-33, adapted for operation from China’s STOBAR aircraft carriers.

DETAILS: The J-15 is structurally based on the Su-33 but rebuilt with Chinese avionics, software, and flight systems, powered by two Russian AL-31F engines, with later units incorporating WS-10H engines, reaching speeds around Mach 2.0. It features folding wings, strengthened landing gear, arrestor hook, and a nosewheel designed for ski-jump launches from carriers like Liaoning and Shandong. The aircraft has 12 hardpoints and is equipped with a Chinese radar (exact model unconfirmed), IRST system, internal ECM, digital RWR, and a glass cockpit with multifunction displays. It is armed with PL-8 and PL-12 air-to-air missiles, YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, and unguided and precision-guided bombs. Unlike the Su-33, the J-15 incorporates multirole capability including limited strike missions.

“J” stands for “Jianjiji” (fighter), and “15” places it in the evolution of Chinese naval combat aircraft. The 2013 version reflects the initial operational configuration used aboard Liaoning, combining the legacy Su-33 airframe with Chinese electronics, software, and weapons integration.

TYPE: Carrier-based multirole fighter

FUNCTION: The J-15 is used for carrier-based air defense, limited strike, and maritime patrol. Its multirole capability and naval modifications provide the PLANAF with fixed-wing airpower projection from STOBAR carriers.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27K (1995 Russia), J-15 (2013 China)
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (China)
Operators: China
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI): https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/CASI ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Military Balance (IISS) ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2014 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; U.S. Department of Defense China Military Power Report